The Special Projects Program funds a variety of arts projects serving Bellevue residents. By encouraging and supporting special projects in Bellevue we aim to achieve the goals of the Cultural Compass, Bellevue's cultural plan, by:

providing a variety of cultural public benefits to Bellevue’s residents;

creating a livelier, more diverse arts scene in Bellevue;

increasing support for, and participation in, the arts;

encouraging artists and arts groups to bring their work to Bellevue; and

strengthening artists and arts groups working in Bellevue.

Special Project 2015 Guidelines and Applicaton Forms
The guidelines and application forms for the Special Projects Funding Program offer more information, including details about opportunities in Bel-Red.

Here is a list of all the projects funded for 2014and links to all the artists and organizations with websites. If you have questions about a particular event feel free to contact the organization or artist directly.

The City is proud to support all of these events. We are also grateful to the individuals, businesses and other organizations who also support these organizations.

“Through our eyes”. Using the dance form Bharatanatyam, a classic South Indian style of dance, this original production depicts episodes from daily life.
Meydenbauer Theatre, May 4, 2014

Bruce Hanson

$500

Stripe Messages Newport Hills artist Hanson will invite residents visiting the Newport Hills Shopping Center to share memories of the shopping center and their dreams of what it could be. He will paint responses on the white lines of parking spaces in the shopping center. Project is pending; permission from property owner will be needed.
Newport Hills Shopping Center parking lot, Aug. 2 – Sept. 1, 2014, estimated.

Rhythm of Dance – Times: an Exploration of Dance. An annual Chinese Dance performance by students of the Hengda Dance Academy, from both Bellevue and Seattle classes. Dances of many Chinese ethnic groups will be included. In addition, original work by Hengda Li will be performed.
Meydenbauer Theatre, June 2014 (dates tba )

Attention Shoppers!” a sound installation broadcasting to the Newport Hills Shopping Center parking lot. Periodic broadcasts will include a wide variety of content such as short poetic observations from local professionals and the artist regarding architecture, urban planning, shopping as a communal experience. These will be interspersed with short classical music pieces by a local ensemble as well as local bird songs. Project is pending; permission from property owner will be needed.
Newport Hills Shopping Center parking lot, May – July, 2014 (estimated)

Reflections from the Inside. An exhibit of pastel and cast glass art works representing moments and experiences in the life of a writer and artist, an American citizen and Bellevue WA resident.
Bellevue Regional Library, May 1 – 29, 2014

Bellevue Taiko Festival 2014. A new festival, focusing on Japanese musical culture. Will include performances and workshops by professional taiko drummers and other musicians. Special guests will be Yu Imafuku, the top taiko drummer of Japan and his group. Free and discounted tickets.
Bellevue or Newport High School and Highland Community Center. October 17 – 20, 2014.

Seattle Chinese Chorus Annual Concert. The 50-member chorus will perform in about a dozen mixed choruses, male and female ensembles, solos and instrument performances around the theme of “Life is Wonderful.”
Westminster Chapel, May 10, 2014

Flavors of India 2014. Indian cultural festival featuring an authentic Indian Village with dioramas and live demos of authentic Indian village life, performances, food, and a street parade with a traditional Indian Chariot and more.
Downtown Park, August 30 – 31, 2014

Priority Funding for Projects Seeding an Arts District in Bel-Red
Occasionally, the Arts Commission identifies a special focus for funding in Special Projects. Projects addressing a special focus receive priority consideration. This year we will continue our efforts to build interest and awareness around developing a stronger arts presence in Bel-Red to lay the groundwork for a future arts district there.

Bel-Red is a 900-acre area east of downtown Bellevue and characterized by low-rise retail and light industrial businesses. In 2009 the City Council adopted new zoning and policies for developing the Bel Red area in the years to come.

The vision laid out in the Bel-Red Subarea Plan includes a new arts district centered by the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s eastside school, the Francia Russell Center, and will emphasize live/work space, learning and making art. The Bel-Red subarea plan will take many years to realize. The Bellevue Arts Commission is inviting artists to take part in the process of building the arts district today by bringing their vision and creativity to Bel-Red.